Okla. corrections audit recommends more oversight

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A recent audit of Oklahoma’s prison system recommends more financial oversight from the governing board and a closer look at the increasing cost of health care.

The performance audit released Tuesday by State Auditor Gary Jones was requested by Gov. Mary Fallin following the resignation of former Department of Corrections Director Gary Jones.

The audit includes 10 recommendations to help the department reduce costs and better manage its inmate population. Among the recommendations is the creation of an audit committee to help the board ensure financial accountability.

It also encourages the department to conduct additional analysis of health care costs, which currently account for more than 10 percent of all agency expenditures.

The audit covered a five-year span from 2008 to 2013.